This will be the second installment of my season-enhancing attempt. Without the expectation of snow for the foreseeable future it only seemed right to offer a view from winter past. I hope you will all gather around a cozy warming device and enjoy some of the many things for which we can be grateful. In these times in the world maybe a small recollection of snow in the region will help to make the season bright, even though, for a substantial number of us, snow may not be a preferred option. So, without further ado, let us move along to my visual seasonal presentation.
Not too many years ago, while standing in line at the Harbor post office, I fell in behind a young lady who was shipping some of our calendars. At that time, Jenny and Ashley were on the window and one of them, I forget who, said, “And this is the guy who does the calendar.”
Without hesitation the young lady ahead of me turned and introduced herself saying, “You know, there are snowy owls on Fisherman’s Island and if you are interested, you’d be welcome to come out to photograph.” Well, I’d never seen a snowy owl and, as it turned out, that year there was a bumper crop! There seemed to be sightings all over the place, even showing up at the Portland Jetport, which was not ideal. Apparently the food source for the owls in their home territory was not sufficient to support the owl population so members of the community began to fan out in search of more food, which brought them to our area.
I took up the offer for a visit and was not disappointed. And, special bonus – because there was human activity on the island, the owls had become a little more accustomed to people and more inclined to keep a watchful eye but not flee the scene. With a little longer lens and the guidance of the resident environmentalist, I was able to get quite close, seeming not to agitate or annoy.
During my visit and stroll around the island another rather enticing subject crept into view, i.e., Ram Island Light, which is adjacent to the bigger island upon which I wandered. The scene was quite pristine, undisturbed after some new snowfall, slightly adjusted by the winds which can be quite harsh. I had no choice. The red roofs, the long walkway to the tower and Ocean Point shore for a backdrop. Wonderful! Even during the best days of summer a view like this was most unlikely, obviously without snow, but also uniquely seen from a special vantage.
And there you have it, my winter adventure to remind us of our seasonal transition. I hope it will slip a wee bit of nostalgic recollection into stockings hung by chimneys with care adding thoughts of snow time. I’m sure we will not remain snowless, but for now, perhaps a photo will do.
Happy merry holy mackerel everyone. Keep the season bright.